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Presented by: The Friends of the Library Theatre
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Golden Globe Nominee: Best Actor (drama). In director Jim Sheridan's (In America) powerful new film, Capt. Sam Cahill, a steadfast family man and career Marine (Tobey Maguire) embarks on his fourth tour of duty in Afganistan, only to go missing when his black hawk helicopter is shot down. His charismatic younger brother (Jake Gyllenhaal), a drifter just out of jail who’s always gotten by on wit and charm, begins to accept newfound responsibility as supporter/protector of Sam's wife (Natalie Portman) and children. And then Sam, not having been killed but held prisoner by the Taliban, escapes and returns home. Mare Winningham and Sam Shepard co-star as Sam's parents. "It's an honorable and beautifully acted addition to the tradition of homefront war stories." - Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune. "'Brothers' shows us that even when our troops do come home, their war may be far from over." - Ramin Setoodeh, Newsweek. "Playing what is essentially just a decent, intelligent woman, Portman lends the film dignity, understanding and true radiance." - Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle. (R language, brief war violence, 104 min.) Paul's View: Tobey Maguire plumbs depths in this role that I never dreamed he had. As the extended family gathers around a dinner table, the immense impact of Sam's military veteran father on the two brothers is palpable and fascinating. It's a rich dramatic experience and a film for our time. |
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6 Golden Globe Nominations: Best Picture, Director, Actor, Screenplay, (2) Supporting Actress. Director Jason Reitman's (Juno) high-flying adaptation of Walter Kirn’s comic novel stars George Clooney as a businessman obsessed with reaching five million frequent-flyer miles. Then his company decides to cut back on travel. No big deal, you say? But what of Alex, the gorgeous woman (Vera Farmiga) he's been meeting at airports around the world? "Timeliness can be tricky to pull off convincingly in movies. It’s tough to capture an era while it’s still happening, yet 'Up in the Air' does so brilliantly, with wit and humanity." - Claudia Puig, USA Today. "It's light and dark, hilarious and tragic, romantic and real... everything that Hollywood has forgotten how to do."- Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly. "There’s a certain satisfaction watching two snappy, beautiful people at the top of their form." - Rex Reed, NY Observer. "Bravo!" - Peter Travers, Rolling Stone. (R language, sexuality, 109 min.) Paul's View: This is a comedy with a kicker - a movie that suggests that you may not always have your job, so make sure it’s not the only thing in your life. The New York Times' A.O. Scott calls this " a classic in the making." I agree. |
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Golden Globe Nominee: Best Actress (drama). British Queen Victoria reigned from 1837 to 1901, a period during which the British Empire spread around the world. Although a constitutional monarch, her personal influence nonetheless became unprecedented. But often forgotten is the story of the 17-year-old girl who ascended Europe's loftiest throne and gave her name to an era. Emily Blunt is radiant in the title role and Jim Broadbent heads a worthy supporting cast in Jean-Marc Vallee's acclaimed film. "This is no gilded princess fantasy - it’s the story of a budding ruler who learns to control her surroundings, and Blunt makes that journey at once authentic and relevant." - Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly. "Blunt, her eyes sparking, her manner playful, smart, and proud, shines in the title role." - Steven Rea, Philadelphia Enquirer. (PG, 105 min.) Paul's View: The beautiful costumes and settings that you would expect aside, the thing that will sweep you off your feet is Emily Blunt's beguiling portrayal of the young queen. There's very little here to suggest the stuffy connotation that the term "Victorian" usually carries today. |
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